Ottawa’s next move is already the bigger story after the Brady Tkachuk trade. With three first-round picks, a future second-round pick, and more than $25 million in cap space, the Senators have room to swing again.
General manager Steve Staios said the phone has been busy since the deal and insisted the club is not planning to step back. Speaking at Canadian Tire Centre, he said, “This team is moving in the right direction. I have no intention of this team taking a step back. We’re active, and we’re open.”
Why the Senators are suddenly so aggressive
The Tkachuk trade changed Ottawa’s flexibility overnight. The new draft capital could be used to chase established help, while the cap room also leaves open the possibility of an offer sheet if the right restricted free agent becomes available.
Not every target would be easy to land, and some would need to be willing to join Ottawa. But several players fit the kind of offensive push, or defensive size, the Senators could use as they try to move forward quickly.
The forward targets with the clearest fit
Mason McTavish stands out because of both age and upside. The 23-year-old Anaheim center, who grew up in Carp, Ont., posted 17 goals and 41 points in 75 games, and his high-danger scoring ability could appeal to Ottawa despite questions about his foot speed and work away from the puck.
Jordan Kyrou would bring a very different skill set. The St. Louis winger has been a three-time 30-goal scorer, but his future is complicated by a no-trade clause and uncertainty about whether he would waive it to come to Canada.
Jason Robertson would be one of the biggest prizes on the board. The Dallas winger is a three-time 40-goal scorer and a one-time 100-point producer, but The Athletic’s Chris Johnston has reported that he might not want to commit long-term to Ottawa.
Pavel Dorofeyev could also become a real possibility. The Vegas winger is coming off back-to-back 30-goal seasons and added 12 more in the 2026 playoffs, making him a strong offer-sheet candidate if the Golden Knights cannot find the cap space to keep him.
JJ Peterka offers a lower-cost gamble. After a career-best 68 points with Buffalo in 2024-25, his first season with Utah dipped to 47 points and ended with a quiet playoff run, which could open the door for a buy-low move.
Jake DeBrusk would be more of a depth-strengthening addition than a headline grab. The Vancouver winger has pace and goal-scoring touch, but his no-move clause means he would first need to be willing to come to Ottawa.
Alexis Lafrenière is another intriguing name because of the upside tied to a change of scenery. The former No. 1 pick reached 24 goals and 57 points in 82 games, and the Rangers would likely not move him cheaply even though he does not have trade protection until 2027.
The one defenseman on the list
Rasmus Ristolainen is the only defenseman among the eight names, and he fits a clear need. Philadelphia’s right-shot defender brings mobility and physicality, and Ottawa would not have to rush Carter Yakemchuk if it adds another body for the top four.
The obstacle is price. The Flyers reportedly asked for a first-round pick and a prospect at the trade deadline, which helps explain why Ottawa would have to decide how far it wants to go for help on the blue line.
For now, the Senators have options, leverage, and a long list of teams to call. After losing their captain at his request, they also have a chance to turn the shock of the move into a much faster retool than anyone expected.